The Council forbids you from marrying Diavolo.
Your reputation in the Devildom is certainly impressive, but it’s unheard of for a human to marry into demon royalty. It’s unprecedented, and that’s enough to scare the council. They’ve remained passive on your relationship with Diavolo for too long, they told you. Now that he stands to finally ascend to the throne and rule as king, threads must be cut, and reins must be tightened.
You’ve been thinking. If you are brutally, tragically honest with yourself... you knew this would happen. Of course things can’t always work out. Diavolo’s priorities existed long before you were even a concept in his mind. He knows how to make sacrifices for his people... Although he’s just as heartbroken, you’re sure he will choose his kingdom over you.
This truth weighed down your heart. But look on the bright side, they said. You have the council’s permission to be friends.
One night, you’re lying in your room alone. Ever since the news, there’s been a hollow in your chest, dull and aching. You have no motivation to leave any time soon.
A knock on the door rouses you. With heavy limbs, you take your time to answer. It’s probably just the brothers trying to console you again. “Listen, I appreciate you wanting to help, but I said I just wanna be alone for a bit--“
The door opens, and a lone demon fills the doorway. Your eyes widen as your heart shocks back to life. Diavolo smiles down at you with brilliant topaz eyes. “Dia--”
Your voice is cut off by his shoulder as he pulls you into a hug. At first you’re startled, but then his familiar warmth and scent wash over you. You’re stunned for a moment, and then it all comes crashing down. Tears well up, and before you know it, you’re clinging to him with your arms around his back, an emotional mess.
“I missed you. I’m sorry I let them take you from me.” His voice is steady, and yet you can feel his heart jogging beneath his strong chest. Is he anxious because he snuck away to see you again?
You sniff to clear your throat. “I missed you too... but what are you doing here?” You pull away to get a better look at him.
He’s in his demon form, grand and gilded. He smiles as if it were any other day, as if your string of fate wasn’t forcefully cut. “Can you come with me?” He holds your hands in his, “The castle is holding an event of sorts to celebrate my coronation. I have to make an important announcement to make, and I want you to witness it.”
When Diavolo was earnest, his smile was as precious as life itself. But this one felt like he was hiding something, a silent cue to unknown intentions.
Still, even after secluding yourself for so long, you weren’t immune to him. “Of course, I’ll be there.”
He grins. “Great! It’s starting soon, so we have to hurry.” He pulls you along.
“Wait, it’s happening now?”
Before you know it, you’re in front of a large crowd of demons in the grand ball room. They all have their eyes on you, whispers drifting between them. Your throat is tight with nerves, but Diavolo squeezes your hand. He gives you another silent smile, one that asks you to trust him. Even after spending time apart, your emotions are still his.
“Everyone, thank you for gathering here on such short notice.” Diavolo’s voice booms against the ornate walls, silencing the crowd at once. The way he faces them all, tall, unwavering, and beautiful, sends your heart aflutter. He’s already used to the weight and influence his role carries. There’s no doubt in your mind that the demon standing next to you is already a king.
That thought fills you with so much pride, but also so much melancholy. You know you’d be selfish to hang onto him, to hold him back. You don’t know the next thing about ruling a kingdom of demons. If you stayed, you’d be on the sidelines at best, and an active obstacle at worst. It’s for everyone’s benefit that you let him go, and let him rise to the role as the Devildom’s most beloved leader.
You let your grip on his hand loosen a bit. You should give him space to make his speech. At first, he seems to let you go, until his arm comes and wraps itself securely around your back. He pulls you into his chest, then locks you there with a hand on your shoulder. Surprised, you look up at him.
He’s not looking at you. His gaze is trained only on the Council that watches from the far end of the room. “I have called you all here to announce this officially: I have chosen my partner, the one who will rule the Devildom beside me.”
With these words, he finally turns to you. His eyes are alight with excitement, anxiety and love, the emotions mixing to make a sort of manic energy.
“And here they are.”
The room goes dead quiet. Everyone is in a state of shock, including you. Your skin catches fire with the heat of multiple pairs of burning eyes. There is scattered applause. Demons are confused on whether this is a legitimate proposal or the ultimate heresay. Whatever this is, it doesn’t seem to matter to Diavolo.
“Thank you for your attention.” He only bows his head. No time is wasted with questions or objections, or even well-wishes. Instead, he whisks you away, escaping the crowd through a quiet side hallway.
You don’t know where you’re walking. All of your vision is swallowed by the large demon leading you, holding your hand. “Dia, what did you just do?”
He stops and turns to you. His eyes squint with euphoric joy, your hand encased in his feels like being swallowed by lava. “Now there will be no more hiding. No more going back. Everyone in the Devildom will know you are mine...”
“My eternal partner.”
